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Centre for Advanced Training

Our Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) spans classical, folk, and contemporary styles, and delivers musical excellence for ambitious young musicians aged 10-18

The Glasshouse Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) is a high-level music training programme for young people with exceptional potential and passion for music. It is part of the Department of Education Music and Dance Scheme network.

Taking place on Sunday during term time, students receive tuition, ensemble training and classes in music theory, alongside individual guidance and development. There are exciting opportunities to compose music and work alongside inspirational visiting artists, as well as multiple performance opportunities.

The CAT is open to a wide range of musical genres and instruments including voice.

If you’re interested in joining or have any questions, you can email our team at youngmusicians@theglasshouseicm.org.

Key Information

Age: 10 – 18

Day: Sundays

Audition Required

Meet the CAT tutors

Curriculum

Each programme area follows the below curriculum.

  • 60 minute 1:1 lesson
  • Music Language Core (aural/theory/musicianship skills)
  • Music Language Option (a range of classes including music production, composer studies, and craft of pop)
  • Small ensemble / piano class
  • Performance opportunities
  • Enrichment programme (including improvisation and presentation techniques)
  • Advice and support from a highly experienced study leader team
  • An activity day which include workshops with visiting artists and exploring new genres and approaches to your instrument

Many of the students also have a 1:1 lesson in a second instrument, and are part of our Ensembles.

The CAT has lots of performance opportunities throughout the year, from relaxed lunchtime concerts in our Northern Rock Foundation Hall, to our end of year celebrations in Sage 2, and lots of chances to play on our bustling concourse.

The CAT scheduling is done alongside our Ensemble provision which includes exciting performance experiences as well as work with international artists. Students apply (and if necessary audition) for these ensembles separately.

The Centre for Advanced Training isn’t just for young people who want to be professional musicians (although many have!) Students go on to all sorts of different careers or higher education in a range of subjects.

We do all we can to make sure that your time with us is fulfilling, fun, and full of positive experiences, preparing you with skills that see you on to whatever path you choose.

Programmes

Our Centre for Advanced Training programme is available in a range of musical genres and instruments, including voice.

Principal Study Leader: James Craig

Inside Centre for Advanced Training

Meet some of our Centre for Advanced Training students and tutors to get a taste of the programme.

Information for Students

Timetables, auditions, and other useful information for current and prospective CAT students to help make the most of your learning experience.

More information

Term Dates 25/26

Some students have an alternating timetable between Week A and Week B. If your timetable does not reference this, it does not apply to you.

Autumn Term

Sunday 14 September (A)
Sunday 21 September (B) – Lunchtime concert
Sunday 28 September (A)
Sunday 5 October (B)– Lunchtime concert
Sunday 12 October (A)
Sunday 19 October (B)– Lunchtime concert

HALF TERM

Sunday 9 November (A) – Lunchtime concert
Sunday 16 November (B)
Sunday 23 November (A)
Sunday 30 November (B) – Lunchtime concert
Sunday 7 December (A)
Sunday 14 December (B)
Saturday 20 December – Winter Wonders

Spring Term

Sunday 11 January (A)
Sunday 18 January (B)– Lunchtime concert
Sunday 25 January – Activity Day
Sunday 1 February (A)
Sunday 8 February (B)– Lunchtime concert
Sunday 15 February (A)– Lunchtime concert

HALF TERM

Sunday 8 March (B)– Lunchtime concert
Sunday 15 March (A) – Lunchtime concert
Sunday 22 March (B)
Sunday 29 March – Spring Celebration

Summer Term

Sunday 19 April (A)
Sunday 26 April (B)– Lunchtime concert
Sunday 3 May (A)
Sunday 10 May (B)
Sunday 17 May (A) – Lunchtime concert

HALF TERM

Sunday 7 June (B) – Lunchtime concert
Sunday 14 June (A) – Lunchtime concert
Sunday 28 June (B)– Lunchtime concert
Sunday 5 July – Performance (TBC)